What this hexagram is about
Thunder within the lake — the image of following the movement of the times. It speaks of the way to follow: to follow rightly and follow what is upright, to choose the good and keep pace with the moment, and never to follow blindly.
The Judgment 卦辞
随，元亨利贞，无咎。
Supreme success; favorable to persevere. No fault.
The Image 大象传
《象》曰：泽中有雷，随；君子以向晦入宴息。
Thunder lies within the lake; so the noble person, as darkness falls, goes in to rest.
Commentary on the Lines 小象传
官有渝，从正吉也。
When duties shift, follow the right, and there is good fortune.
The Six Lines (hover over the figure above)
Nine at the top拘系之，乃从维之。王用亨于西山。
Bound in heartfelt sincerity, following closely and holding fast — as the king, with utmost reverence, offered sacrifice on the Western Mountain, so deep is the bond of faith.
Nine in the fifth place孚于嘉，吉。
To follow what is fair and good in sincerity — good fortune.
Six in the fourth place随有获，贞凶。有孚在道，以明，何咎。
In following one gains; but to keep grasping greedily makes holding to this a misfortune. Yet so long as one keeps faith within, accords with the right, and acts in the open — what fault could there be?
Nine in the third place系丈夫，失小子。随有求得，利居贞。
To attach oneself to the greater and stronger means letting the younger go. Following thus, one seeks and gains; it is fitting to dwell at ease and keep to what is right.
Six in the second place系小子，失丈夫。
To cling to the lesser and younger is to lose the greater and stronger — one follows amiss, gaining here and losing there.
Initial Six官有渝，贞吉。出门交有功。
To conduct oneself in step with the times, advancing as they advance, while holding to what is right — good fortune. Go out of doors and seek wide acquaintance with the worthy, and one will accomplish something.